What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car While Walking in Raleigh: A Guide for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Being hit by a car while walking in Raleigh can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Raleigh, NC, the aftermath—ranging from medical bills to lost wages—can be a significant burden. Knowing the right steps to take after a pedestrian accident can help you recover compensation for your serious injuries.
The first step is to seek the help of an experienced Raleigh pedestrian accident lawyer. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney will guide you through the complexities of your pedestrian accident claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for fair compensation.
Whether the accident occurred due to distracted driving, negligence, or poor pedestrian safety, an experienced Raleigh pedestrian accident attorney can provide crucial legal counsel and represent your best interests in a personal injury lawsuit.
This guide will walk you through the key steps to take if you’re hit by a car while walking in Raleigh and how a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car While Walking in Raleigh: A Guide for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Being hit by a car while walking in Raleigh is a traumatic experience that can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you or a family member has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Raleigh, NC, it’s essential to know what steps to take to protect your legal rights and recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other personal injuries caused by the accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After a pedestrian accident, seeking medical attention is crucial—even if you don’t feel severely injured. Traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and other serious injuries can often be overlooked right after the accident occurs. Having your injuries documented in medical records will be important for your pedestrian accident claim later on.
Call the Police and File an Official Accident Report
It’s essential to call the police to report the accident. An official accident report helps document the details of the crash, which can be crucial for your pedestrian accident case. The police report will contain important information like the vehicle involved, traffic signals, and statements from witnesses, which can help establish fault. Whether the accident happened due to distracted driving, impaired driving, or another factor, this report can be vital for pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including any property damage, pedestrian signals, and road conditions. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses and make note of the posted speed limits or any traffic laws that might have been violated by the negligent driver. Having solid evidence can help your pedestrian accident lawyer build a stronger case.
Contact a Raleigh Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Navigating a pedestrian accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer or a Raleigh pedestrian accident attorney can significantly increase your chances of securing fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced attorney will advocate for your rights and ensure that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you during the settlement process.
Do Not Admit Fault
Even if the pedestrian accident seems to be partly your fault, avoid admitting liability at the scene. Contributory negligence laws in North Carolina may prevent you from recovering compensation if you’re found partially at fault. It’s best to allow your pedestrian accident attorney to handle the negotiations and determine fault based on the evidence collected.
Consult with Personal Injury Attorneys for Maximum Compensation
If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to consult with personal injury attorneys who specialize in pedestrian injury cases. They will help you understand your legal rights, guide you through the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit, and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your physical pain, medical bills, lost wages, and severe injuries.
Whether you are dealing with traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or fatal injuries caused by a fatal accident, a Raleigh pedestrian accident lawyer can offer the legal counsel you need to get through this challenging time.
Understanding Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian accidents often occur due to factors like distracted driving, impaired driving, or traffic signal violations. Preventing pedestrian accidents starts with understanding pedestrian safety. Raleigh pedestrian accident attorneys can help you with pedestrian injury cases where negligent drivers ignore traffic laws and cause accidents. Understanding pedestrian signals and marked crosswalks will also help keep you safe on the road.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents: What Leads to Pedestrian Injuries in Raleigh
Pedestrian accidents in Raleigh, NC can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver behavior, environmental conditions, and pedestrian actions. Below are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Raleigh:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technologies often fail to notice pedestrians, increasing the risk of a pedestrian accident. Fatal injuries can result from such negligence.
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Drivers failing to stop or yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks or traffic signals can cause serious accidents, especially in busy areas like downtown Raleigh. Injured pedestrians may face challenges under North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws.
- Impaired Driving: Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to stop for pedestrians in time, leading to pedestrian accidents. Injured pedestrians may need specialized legal help to navigate these complex cases.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop when a pedestrian is crossing. Reckless driving can create dangerous situations for pedestrians, making legal representation essential for injured victims.
- Poor Road Conditions and Lack of Infrastructure: Unsafe road conditions, such as uneven sidewalks, inadequate lighting, or missing pedestrian signals and marked crosswalks, contribute to pedestrian accidents. In these cases, the negligent driver is typically responsible for pedestrian injuries.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, like rain, snow, or fog, reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of pedestrian accidents. Both drivers and pedestrians have slower reaction times in poor weather conditions.
- Pedestrian Distraction and Carelessness: Pedestrians who are distracted by their phones or not paying attention to traffic signals are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. Pedestrian accidents often happen when pedestrians don’t check for oncoming vehicles before crossing.
- Running Red Lights or Disregarding Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrians crossing when the signal says “Don’t Walk” are more likely to be struck by a vehicle. Ignoring pedestrian signals increases the risk of pedestrian accidents.
- Legal Support and Recovery: Pedestrian accidents often lead to serious injuries, including permanent disability. Personal injury claims can help recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. Raleigh pedestrian accident lawyers can guide you through the claims process and help you secure the maximum compensation.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Raleigh
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Raleigh, it’s important to take specific steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Knowing what to do immediately after the accident can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and avoid making mistakes that could affect your pedestrian accident claim.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first and most important step after being involved in a pedestrian accident is to get medical help. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to be evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal injuries, may not be immediately obvious. Having a healthcare provider assess you will ensure that all injuries are properly documented in your medical records, which is essential for any personal injury claim or pedestrian accident lawsuit.
2. Call the Police and Report the Accident
Always contact law enforcement after a pedestrian accident. Obtaining a police report is crucial as it serves as a critical piece of evidence in pedestrian accident cases. The police will create an official accident report, which will include key details like the time and location of the accident, witness statements, and the driver’s information. The police will also assess whether the driver was at fault, whether there was distracted driving, or if they were impaired at the time of the accident. This report is crucial for any pedestrian accident claim or legal case you pursue.
3. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Take photos of the area, including traffic signals, pedestrian signals, and traffic lights, as well as any vehicle involved in the accident. Be sure to photograph any visible injuries, damage to your personal property, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident, as their statements can be invaluable to your case.
4. Get the Driver’s Information
Make sure you obtain the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If the driver is at fault, this information will be necessary for filing a pedestrian accident claim with their insurance company. It’s also helpful to get the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle involved. If the driver was negligent or impaired, having this information will be key for building your case. The injured party initiates the legal process by submitting a Complaint and emphasizes the importance of gathering evidence and building a case during the discovery phase of the lawsuit.
5. Do Not Admit Fault or Discuss the Accident
Be cautious about what you say at the scene of the accident. Even if you believe you may have played a role, never admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as such. Pedestrian accidents can involve contributory negligence, meaning that if the other party claims you were partially at fault, it may impact your ability to recover compensation. Wait for the authorities and insurance companies to assess fault.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Even though a pedestrian accident doesn’t involve your vehicle, it’s still important to report the accident to your insurance company. They may assist with medical expenses or guide you on how to proceed with recovering compensation. Some insurance companies may have specific procedures for handling accidents involving pedestrians, so contacting them early will ensure that you don’t miss important deadlines.
7. Consult an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After a pedestrian accident, the legal process can be complex. Consulting an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Raleigh can help you navigate the next steps, including negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit if needed. A lawyer can also help determine the maximum compensation you may be entitled to, including medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for physical pain and suffering. Your attorney can also handle the details of the case on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless you win.
8. Keep Track of Your Medical Bills and Lost Wages
Be sure to keep all records related to your medical treatment, including medical bills and prescriptions, as these will be needed to prove your expenses. Additionally, if the accident caused you to miss work, keep a record of the lost wages you’ve incurred. This information is essential when seeking compensation for the financial impact of your injuries.
9. Follow Up on Your Treatment
After your initial medical evaluation, follow your doctor’s advice and continue treatment as needed. Not only will this ensure the best possible recovery, but it will also provide ongoing documentation for your pedestrian accident case. Consistent medical records can help prove the extent of your serious injuries and ensure that your injuries are properly addressed in your claim.
10. Stay Organized and Keep Detailed Records
Throughout the process, keep a detailed record of all communications, including conversations with the insurance company, doctors, and your pedestrian accident lawyer. Keeping all of your documents organized—such as official accident reports, medical records, bills, and photos—will help strengthen your case and ensure that no important details are overlooked.
By following these steps after a pedestrian accident, you can help protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. With the right legal guidance from an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, you can ensure that your pedestrian accident case is handled properly and that you are fairly compensated for any damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When to Know It’s Time to Consult a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’re unsure whether you need legal help after a pedestrian accident, here are signs that it’s time to consult an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer:
- When You Suffer Serious Injuries
If you’ve sustained serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or spinal cord injuries that require extensive medical treatment or could have long-term effects. - If You’re Dealing with High Medical Bills
When your medical bills are piling up, and you need help recovering compensation for both current and future medical expenses. - If You’re Unable to Work Due to Your Injuries
If the pedestrian accident caused you to miss work and you’re facing lost wages due to your injuries. - If the Insurance Company Is Not Offering a Fair Settlement
If the insurance company is offering a settlement that is too low or pressuring you to accept an offer that doesn’t cover all of your damages. - When Liability Is Disputed or Unclear
If there’s a dispute about who is at fault, or if the driver denies responsibility or claims you were partially at fault. - If You Are Facing a Long Recovery Time
If your injury is expected to require long-term care or rehabilitation, and you need help securing compensation for future medical expenses and lost wages. - When You Have Concerns About Contributory Negligence
If you’re worried that your actions may be called into question under North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule, which may prevent you from recovering compensation. - If You’re Dealing with a Fatal Accident
If the pedestrian accident resulted in a fatality and you’re considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for funeral expenses and emotional distress. - If You Don’t Know How to Navigate the Legal Process
If the legal process feels overwhelming, and you need help handling insurance claims, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. - If You’re Unsure About Your Legal Rights
If you’re unsure about your legal rights or whether pursuing a claim is the right decision, a lawyer can assess your situation and provide advice on how to proceed.
If any of these apply to you, it’s important to reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Why Choose Mogy Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
When it comes to handling your pedestrian accident case in Raleigh, choosing the right law firm is essential to ensure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve. At Mogy Law, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation. Here’s why you should choose us:
Experienced and Compassionate Legal Representation
Our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers has a deep understanding of North Carolina laws and a proven track record of success in handling pedestrian injury cases. Having an experienced attorney by your side during both litigation processes and negotiations with insurance companies is crucial. We focus on providing personalized attention and ensuring that each client receives the support they need throughout their recovery process.
Proven Success and Aggressive Advocacy
We have a strong history of achieving favorable outcomes for clients, securing maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies, ensuring that they treat you fairly and compensate you for all of your damages.
No Upfront Fees – We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
At Mogy Law, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees.
Local Expertise and Knowledge of Pedestrian Safety
As a law firm based in Raleigh, we have in-depth knowledge of the local streets, traffic patterns, and pedestrian safety issues. Our familiarity with Raleigh’s roads allows us to better advocate for you, whether the accident occurred in a school zone or a high-traffic area.
Comprehensive Legal Support
From filing your pedestrian accident lawsuit to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your case. Our team ensures that all deadlines are met and that you’re kept informed every step of the way.
Free Consultation
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case and explain your legal rights. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and understand your next steps before moving forward.
Choosing Mogy Law means choosing a dedicated, experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you need.
Contact Mogy Law Today for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Raleigh, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Mogy Law, our team of experienced pedestrian accident attorneys is here to help you navigate the complex legal process, fight for your rights, and ensure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take, and we are dedicated to providing you with compassionate and effective legal support. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on recovering.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward getting the compensation you deserve.
Call (901) 443-9133 now or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation. Let Mogy Law be your trusted advocate in your time of need.
